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Monday, 10 September 2018

UN human rights chief criticizes Egypt’s mass death sentences

UN rights boss slams Egypt: Topping coverage of Egypt in the foreign press is criticism from United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet of the 75 death sentences issued in a single trial. She urged an Egyptian court to overturn mass death sentences issued this week, saying they “represent a gross and irreversible miscarriage of justice,” in a statement carried by Reuters.

The Foreign Ministry denounced Bachelet’s comments claiming they “insult” Egypt’s judiciary and its members. "This is a bad start for the UN human rights high commissioner," the statement said.

Lebanese tourist from ‘insult’ video could be released soon: A Cairo appeal court suspended — and reduced to one year — the jail sentence of Lebanese tourist Mona El Mazbouh who had been convicted of “defaming” Egypt after posting a video on social media describing her harassment while on vacation in the country, according to Reuters. Mazbouh was initially sentenced to eight years in prison and a EGP 10,700 fine for spreading false rumors “that aim to undermine society and attack religions.”

Other headlines worth a look this morning:

  • Abandoned by “the West”? Former Egypt-based reporter Bel Trew says Egyptians feel abandoned by western powers in a piece written for the Independent.
  • Of murder and theology: The recent murder of the abbot of St. Macarius Monastery highlights tense debates among Egypt’s Christians over theological differences, Jacob Wirtschafter and Mina Nader write for Religion News.
  • Another ailing tourist: A seven-year-old British boy has been in intensive care the past three weeks fighting an infection he allegedly contracted while on vacation in Hurghada’, according to the Daily Mail.
  • Honorary Greek citizenship: Two Egyptian fishermen received honorary Greek citizenship for saving the lives of 70 people and four dogs during the wildfire outburst in Mati, Middle East Eye says.

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